Undertrial shot dead, cop injured in Delhi court

New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) An undertrial was shot dead and an escorting Delhi Police constable was injured when two men opened fire in a city court Wednesday. One of the attackers has been arrested, police said.

The firing was the outcome of a gang war, police said.

The attack took place in the Rohini court compelx in north Delhi around noon when police presented Naveen, 25, an undertrial in a murder case, in the court for hearing, a police official said.

"Mukesh, 28, a member of Naveen's rival group, was arrested from the spot. Two country-made pistols used in the crime have been recovered," said Deputy Commissioner of Police B.S. Jaiswal.

"Some more people may be involved in the crime. Several people are being questioned," Jaiswal said.

According to police, Naveen's shooting was the result of his rivalry with Ashwani, both residents of Narela in outer Delhi, which started in 2008 when Ashwani married a girl whom Naveen loved.

In a case of vendetta, Naveen killed Ashwani's brother in 2009, after which Ashwani killed Naveen's uncle. Both were arrested and lodged in Rohini jail.

Both Naveen and Ashwani used to instruct their gang members from inside the jail. Several fights took place between their accomplices in Delhi.

"The attack was the outcome of their gang war. Mukesh, who was scared of being killed by Naveen's associates, planned to eliminate him Wednesday when he came to the court," said Jaiswal.

"Mukesh waited outside the court and shot Naveen in the stomach. Constable Anurag, who was accompanying him, was shot in his ankle," Jaiswal added.

Police said Mukesh was carrying two guns.

Naveen and the constable were rushed to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini Sector 3. The undertrial died a few minutes after reaching hospital, Jaiswal said.